U.K. Field Trip Part 4 – Severn Valley Railway Autumn Steam Gala – The Engine House

Click on each image for a closer look!

One of the major recent accomplishments of the Severn Valley Railway was the opening of The Engine House in 2008. The new museum aims to cover several goals for the railway, providing a reason to stop at one of the intermediate stations, providing accommodation inside for “out of ticket” locomotives awaiting the time and finances to be overhauled for a return to operation, and to provide an educational centre for the railway. The facility has two tracks, which accommodate several locomotives in both pristine display condition, and straight from service condition awaiting cosmetic work to display standard. The museum has been very successful in its goals of providing an educational facility second to none, and provides opportunities for new viewing locations of passing trains from the balcony of its restaurant and the large patio area around the building. Amongst the current exhibits are a royal saloon used by King George VI (of The King’s Speech fame and the 1939 Royal Tour of Canada), and one of the Flagship Locomotives of the railway, Great Western Railway ‘Hall’ No. 4930 Hagley Hall.

Also amongst the exhibits was a Great Western Handcar, which, when you look is virtually identical to the Handcar in the collection of the TRHC in Toronto.

Description of images:

#1 - Kings Saloon
#2 - Prairie No 1
#3 - Prairie No 2
#4 - GWR Hand Car
#5 - Brake Lamp

Click here to read the next posting in this series.

Posting and pictures by Stephen Gardiner and Heather Meger